ST. ALBANS - About 80 law enforcement officers are arresting people in St. Albans, as part of a large drug sweep called "Operation Northern Lights."

The Vermont Drug Task Force says it's the third sweep of its kind this year. Previous sweeps were in Bennington and Springfield.

A news conference on the drug sweep has been scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at the St. Albans Barracks. Police said in a news release they were attempting to take into custody 50 people on charges of distributing and selling drugs.

Read the Vermont State Police press release below:

JOINT PRESS RELEASE Arrest Sweep Underway in St. Albans, VT

St. Albans, VT - 9/17/13 - Today, September 17, 2013, Operation Northern Lights was activated in St. Albans, VT. The operation is another large arrest sweep in Vermont employing approximately 80 law enforcement officers attempting to take into custody 50 defendants for the distribution and sale of illicit drugs. Operation Northern Lights is the third sweep, of its kind, by the Vermont Drug Task Force this year. The previous arrest sweeps were in Bennington and Springfield, Vermont.

"The Vermont State Police are pleased to be coordinating with multiple state, local, county, and federal agencies to combat the growing drug problem in the St. Albans area," said Colonel Tom L'Esperance, director of the Vermont State Police.

A press conference will be scheduled for later today, Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at the St. Albans Barracks. The time has not yet determined, but will likely be early afternoon.